INTERVIEW: Newcastle Central Records

Newcastle Central Records is a new electronic label established in the North East. It’s a monumental task that local electronic musician Michael Peter (aka MData) is up to, as the head of the newly formed collective is seeking to create a forward-thinking and fully independent space for the very best electronic musicians that the region has to offer, as Michael explains: “I’ve been involved in music for over 30 years. Over that period, I have been witness to its evolution, from early experimental electronic and pop music, the underground dance, rave and techno movements… The Newcastle scene has always been at the forefront of underground music due to its demographic; a positive, hard-working, hard partying, resilient, but welcoming and friendly people. The city has always celebrated music.”

Michael further explained his thoughts around the ecosystem that enabled the label’s evolution: “The same scene that shone historically is here again; an abundance of artistry, and not just music; local, home-grown talent, born and bred in the region. Our industrial heritage, our ever-expanding student population, art, fashion and music influences from our universities, colleges, galleries and creative workplaces; and not to forget our wealth of increasing diversity within the region. We have it all – massive regional creative collectives, and a massive regional appreciation for it from artists, supporters and fans alike.”

we wanted a chance to provide opportunities for both our artists and audience to feel they are part of something new, that they have been involved from the very beginning

To celebrate the start of this new label, Newcastle Central Records will be releasing a compilation album, in addition to hosting a launch gig at Newcastle’s The Lubber Fiend. The album will include a wide variety of songs from the artists behind Newcastle Central Records, including veteran producer Iron Blu and Lithuanian-born Šikšna. “All the artists have their own styles, and contribute very different things on an individual basis, all of equal measure. The qualities that unite them is their shared passion for good music, and enthusiasm for the collective to happen.

“It was built on a one-to-one basis. I’d had the initial idea, asked some close friends in the industry, then asked some others whose styles I admired if they be interested in submitting tracks; I visited their gigs and events, listened to their radio shows, bought their existing music, so I had huge confidence in their musical knowledge and ability to deliver something that would work well for us all as a collective.”

The label’s first compilation album showcases a diverse conglomeration of passionate musicians, with this selection of tracks showing an emotional connection to the art from each artist. “Music is more often-than-not, mood-reflective. It seemed that with the range of artists on the label, all demonstrate outstanding quality, but are from very different backgrounds, with varying experiences, interpretations and ways of realising that via musical output; capturing and sharing this diversity was key.”

The label’s launch at The Lubber Fiend on Friday 2^nd August will feature a line-up of Cal Bell, Isaac Dean, Šikšna, Ben Caldwell, Iron Blu and Beth Alana. “Six of the North’s best underground techno, electro and house DJs to showcase their individual styles, and their ability to identify great music and most importantly, to make the dancefloor move! Most of our artists will be there supporting the event; we wanted a chance to provide opportunities for both our artists and audience to feel they are part of something new, that they have been involved from the very beginning.”